clinical instructor calling in sick

FL_Nurse92 · Oct 10, 2015

My school did not have back up clinical instructors and I can't say I did not enjoy a day off when my instructor called in sick. Although it had to be made up in the moment a day to sleep in was much needed.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Oct 10, 2015

I've taught for 3 schools. None of them had a backup plan for any instructors.

I felt so guilty for possibly missing classes, in my early teaching career, because it would have some impact on the students, that I came to clinical even the day my mom went into hospice and the days my son was in the hospital for peritonitis. I think my worry was wayy too big and placed on the wrong things.

In my later semesters, I handed out an assignment that students understood they were automatically assigned, if I had to miss clinical. That would have worked quite nicely...

JaxJax5423 · Oct 11, 2015

ok, so this overwhelming guilt is normal! I also remember that as a student....I would LOVE the day "off."

springchick1, ADN, RN · Oct 11, 2015

obviously, calling in sick makes all my students have to miss a day of clinical. all I would have to do is online virtual simulation, but I still feel really bad!!
we have no backup instructors. does your school have back up instructors? do u feel horrible calling in sick?

I had clinicals cancelled once because my instructor had a family emergency and it was like getting an early Christmas present! We did have to do work to make up for it but it was nice to have that afternoon/evening "off". It was also two days before a big test so some of us just got together and studied for a while.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Oct 11, 2015

When one of my clinical instructors had to call out sick due to a kidney stone, it was great that day, but then we had to tack on extra time at the end of the other clinical days to make up for missed hours.

Some of my classmates whose clinical instructors called out sick just had to do a written assignment. So im sure it varies. Does your school give you any guidance with what to do if you are sick?

Oh! I also had a clinical instructor have us come in, we talked in the conference room for about an hour about care plans etc and then we went home after that because she was ill. She had planned it that way, to have us come in for a short short bit, so that we were there and it could count for a day of clinical, albeit an extremely short day of clinical.

But, dont have too much guilt calling out if you truly need to, it happens.

JaxJax5423 · Oct 11, 2015

thanks all!

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2016

It happens. I don't know of any local schools that have "on call" or back up clinical instructors. Each school also has their own policy on how students must "make up" the clinical time. I can understand feeling guilty, but life happens. I don't think your students would be too upset.